More Than Even back at favorite track for Wilma Mankiller Stakes
More Than Even boasts an outstanding record at Will Rogers Downs, and the Claremore, Okla., track will be the site of her season debut Monday in the $50,000 Wilma Mankiller Stakes.
More Than Even will be looking to build on her local 6-for-8 record against a field of eight that also includes the multiple stakes winner Strawberry Baby.
The Wilma Mankiller, for fillies and mares at six furlongs, is the first of six stakes to be run during the meet. The stakes are being run on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Will Rogers survived a tornado hit last week and will race as scheduled on Monday. The storm damaged two barns, but no humans or horses were harmed, and operations are ongoing at both the track and its casino, according to Travis Noland, a spokesman for Will Rogers.
Wilma Mankiller, Race 9
KEY CONTENDERS
More Than Even, by Stephen Got Even
Last 3 Beyers: 79-82-82
◗ She is the defending champ in the Wilma Mankiller, winning the race off a layoff almost identical in length to the one she will be returning from Monday. More Than Even last raced Nov. 18 and finished second in an optional $40,000 claiming race at a mile at Remington Park.
◗ More Than Even, 6, comes off a season in which she won 4 of 8 starts, including a pair of stakes at Will Rogers.
◗ C.J. McMahon will be riding More Than Even following the retirement of her regular pilot, Cliff Berry.
◗ Roger Engel, who last season went 11 for 22 at Will Rogers to win the training title, trains More Than Even for Doyle Williams.
Strawberry Baby, by Warrior’s Reward
Last 3 Beyers: 75-76-75
◗ She won the $50,000 Big Easy on March 12 at Fair Grounds in her most recent start, capturing the 5 1/2-furlong race on the front end. Strawberry Baby broke from the rail and will do so again Monday.
◗ Strawberry Baby also was a stakes winner at Prairie Meadows earlier in her career, capturing the $75,000 Prairie Gold Lassie back in 2014.
◗ Iram Diego has the mount for Judy Miller and trainer J.R. Caldwell.
She’sabrees, by Ghostzapper
Last 3 Beyers: 71-64-58
◗ She invades from Oaklawn Park, where she won a $25,000 claiming race at a mile March 6.
◗ Ramon Vazquez is in from Arkansas to ride for Danny Caldwell and trainer Federico Villafranco.